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CANADA RECENTLY CHANGED THE RULES FOR IMPORTING DOGS AND CATS INTO THE COUNTRY. PLEASE FOLLOW THEIR WEBSITE FOR ANY CHANGES OR EMAIL THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES AT: information@inspection.gc.ca

Government of Canada Website

Government regulations change frequently – the information contained here is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but be aware that it can change anytime and should be verified before travelling.

 

Overview:

Before entering Canada, your pet must have:

  • Microchip (according to the new rule is not mandatory but strongly recommended)
  • Vaccinations against Rabies and Core dog / cat vaccines 
  • Rabies Vaccine English Certificate
  • Parasite Treatment (only recommended)
  • Veterinary Health Certificate  and Government International Health Certificate to fly
 

Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped before, or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they will need to be vaccinated again.

  • The microchip is injected under your pet’s skin near their left shoulder blade
  • This is not a tracking device, but is a way to identify and register your dog/cat
 

Rabies & Core Vaccines

  • Must be given less than a year prior to departure and no less than 30 days
  • Pet must be at least 3 months of age or older
 

Parasites

  • Before your pet enters Canada, your pet must be treated against certain internal and external parasites by a licensed veterinarian.
  • 1-5 days prior to entering the country.

 

Import approval via email:
EMAIL of Canadian authorities: information@inspection.gc.ca
Requests should be sent to this email with the pet vaccine book scan, photo of the pet,  flight details, owners passport scan

 

Certificates

Veterinary Health Certificate

  • Veterinary Health Certificate – A licensed veterinarian must complete the Health Certificate for your pet within 5 days of travel.
  • Government International Health Certificate – Must be completed 5-7 days prior to departure. Paws International Clinic will complete this step for you. Please bring the following to your appointment:

Cage Requirements

We highly recommend that you start to acclimate your pet to their travel crate and practice crate training. This will make their travel experience less stressful. During your travel consultation, we will measure, weigh and calculate what size crate is best for your dog or cat. The carrier must be IATA approved.

Sizing Your Pet Crate
This is a crucial step in ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort and can make the difference between being accepted or refused by your airline. Measure your pet according to the chart below for domestic flights. See below for international requirements. Compare your findings with the interior measurements of the crate.

 

A = length of animal from nose to root of tail
B = height from ground to elbow joint
C = width across widest part of pet (usually the shoulders)
D = height of animal in standing position (top of head for pets with non-erect ears – from tip of ears for pets with erect ears).

Flight

Please keep in mind that each airline has their own guidelines. Before booking your flight, please call the airline well in advance to see if the flight path allows pets.

There are three ways you can ship your pet:

  • Your pet can travel on the plane with you: Your pet must not exceed 5kg – 7kg (depending on the airline) or less with its soft carrier to fly with you in the cabin. Some airlines no longer offer this option.
  • You can check your pet as checked baggage: If your pet is over 7kg but weighing between 33kg – 45kg (depending on airline) they can also fly in the hold as checked baggage. Passengers should be aware that they may not be accepted by some countries due to certain regulations.
  • You can book your pet on a separate flight: In this case, you will be charged the Manifest cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. Some airlines no longer offer this option.

As a rule, animals 33kg- 45kgs or larger (including the weight of the cage) will be charged as manifest cargo even if they travel on the same plane as you. It is important to check with the airline if your pet is close to that weight and to determine if its policy may vary from this general 45kg rule.

Updated: 2026

WE HAVE AN APP!

For all the Paws International Clinic’s existing clients, there is the Digitail app! Digitail keeps all your pet’s data is in one place. Access it anytime, anywhere – it’s easy and free!

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Requirements & Procedures for International Travel

Government regulations change frequently – the information contained here is accurate to the best of our knowledge but be aware that it can change anytime and should be verified before travelling.